10,000 Birds

AUGUST 22, 2022

As the national bird of Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, the African Fish Eagle is usually very busy whenever it stays in these countries, giving speeches, opening shopping centers, etc. While hoopoes are in their own family, DNA studies suggest that the hoopoe diverged from hornbills, and the wood-hoopoes and scimitarbills from the hoopoe.

Zimbabwe 147

Zimbabwe Birds South Africa Benin 147

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 11, 2012

They are not necessarily the biggest African animals, but represented those that were considered a real hunter’s worthy prey or “game” – the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Black Rhinoceros, Leopard and king of the jungle, the Lion (which of course doesn’t inhabit jungle but savanna!).

Buffalo 207

Buffalo Rhinoceros Elephants Leopards 207

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 19, 2023

A little further, there’s a family group of Savannah Elephants with two two-year olds. The others follow, some dozen animals in all. Historical poaching (this population was restocked from Zimbabwe) has clearly left its mark on the gene pool. Driving slowly behind them… The guide knows his animals.

South Africa 224

South Africa Africa Game Elephants 224

10,000 Birds

JULY 11, 2013

A little further, there’s a family group of Savannah Elephants with two two-year olds. The others follow, some dozen animals in all. Historical poaching (this population was restocked from Zimbabwe) has clearly left its mark on the gene pool. If such a trend continues, we will lose these animals for good!

Africa 195

Africa South Africa Elephants Rhinos 195

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 20, 2024

It has all Big Five animals and a whole lot of other grumpy mammals. Before leaving the safety of the car I heeded the park’s advice and checked for animal tracks belonging to any biting, gnawing, mauling, trampling, stabbing or disembowelling species. This is a small and very interesting park in northern Namibia.

Mozambique 225

Mozambique Birds Ghana Namibia 225